“One thing I see overlooked quite often is sound design,” says Ruben. “As a society, we’ve become deaf to good sound from the average equipment in our homes, offices, headsets, and cars. That opens up this great opportunity for restaurateurs to transport a guest through their space. It makes and breaks the vibe.”

A good interior design can do as much for a cafe, restaurant or bar as good food, drinks and service can. We made this list of establishments to show you some of the best bar, cafe and restaurant designs in the world, and most of them have even won awards for their interiors.

Proper air conditioning is also essential to any restaurant design. Nothing will turn patrons away faster than a non-air conditioned dining room in the middle of a summer heat wave. It may be tempting to skimp in this area, but in the end, poor ventilation and air conditioning can cost you a lot more in lost sales.

Radio is an inexpensive option for casual dining establishments, but non-commercial channels, like MUSAK, is preferable. Live entertainment, which can be expensive, adds a definite sense of ambiance. A good musician or group can draw in crowds better than any dinner special. Many restaurants feature live music on weekends or certain nights of the week.